Skin Cancer Care Close to Home

Skin cancer diagnoses can vary widely, and each type requires a personalized approach to evaluation and treatment. At Nebraska Cancer Specialists, our team provides expert oncology care, coordinated treatment planning, and compassionate support to help patients navigate skin cancer with confidence.

Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin and is considered a precancerous condition. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent progression to skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma typically develops in areas with frequent sun exposure. It often grows slowly and is highly treatable when detected early.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer that can spread if not treated promptly. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma
This rare but aggressive skin cancer tends to grow quickly and requires specialized evaluation and coordinated treatment planning.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma often develops in sun-exposed areas and can become more serious if left untreated.

At Nebraska Cancer Specialists, our goal is to provide timely diagnosis, personalized treatment recommendations, and supportive care so patients can move forward with confidence throughout their cancer journey.

Skin cancer can appear in different ways depending on the type, but many signs involve changes to the skin that don’t heal or continue to evolve over time. Being aware of these changes and having them evaluated early can help support timely diagnosis and treatment. Common Warning Signs May Include:

Changes in Moles or Spots

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• Irregular borders or uneven coloring
• A spot that looks different from others on your skin

New or Unusual Growths

• A new bump, mole, or lesion that continues to grow
• A pearly, shiny, or waxy bump (often linked to basal cell carcinoma)
• A firm red nodule or scaly patch

Skin Changes That Don’t Heal

• Sores that bleed, crust, or don’t heal properly
• Persistent scaly or rough patches
• Areas that itch, hurt, or become tender

Other Possible Symptoms

• Dark streaks under nails
• Pigmented spots on palms, soles, or mucous membranes
• Rapidly growing or changing lesions

When it comes to skin cancer, having clear answers early can make a meaningful difference. At Nebraska Cancer Specialists, our focus is on thorough evaluation, coordinated diagnostic care, and clear communication so you can better understand your health and next steps.

Our oncology team stays current with evolving research and treatment approaches while working closely with dermatology, imaging, and pathology partners to help ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized care planning. Early detection can expand treatment options and support better outcomes.

Evaluation may include comprehensive skin examinations, imaging when appropriate, and minimally invasive biopsy procedures to confirm a diagnosis. Once results are available, we work with you to develop a treatment plan that supports both your medical needs and overall wellbeing — helping you move forward with confidence on your care journey.

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and individual health needs of each patient. At Nebraska Cancer Specialists, our focus is on personalized care, coordinated treatment planning, and compassionate support to help you move forward with confidence. Our oncology team works closely with dermatologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, and other healthcare partners to ensure comprehensive care every step of the way.

Treatment Approaches May Include:

Cryosurgery
This treatment uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue and may be recommended for certain superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions.

Electrosurgery
Electrical currents are used to remove or destroy abnormal tissue, often for early-stage or superficial skin cancers.

Excisional Surgery Coordination
Surgical removal of cancerous tissue may be recommended for many skin cancers. We coordinate closely with surgical specialists to ensure seamless care before and after procedures.

Laser Therapy
Laser treatments may be used for selected superficial skin cancers or precancerous conditions, depending on individual circumstances.

Mohs Surgery Coordination
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique commonly used for certain skin cancers. Our team collaborates with Mohs surgeons to support treatment planning and follow-up care.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This treatment combines light therapy with specialized medications to target abnormal skin cells in certain cases.

Topical Treatments
Medicated creams or gels may be appropriate for some superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions.

The most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers are often highly treatable when detected early, while melanoma can be more serious but is also very treatable when caught promptly.

Common warning signs include new or changing moles, sores that don’t heal, unusual skin growths, changes in skin color or texture, or lesions that bleed, itch, or become painful. Any persistent or unusual skin change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Diagnosis typically begins with a skin exam and may include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined. Imaging or additional testing may be recommended depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of skin cancer. Options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, topical treatments, or coordination with dermatology specialists for procedures like Mohs surgery.

If you notice a new mole, a changing lesion, or any skin change that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated. Early detection can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.

At Nebraska Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to support early detection through our free skin cancer screening in May in observance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you need a screening, biopsy, treatment, or simply a second opinion, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Early detection can make a meaningful difference, which is why we continue to highlight the importance of prevention and regular skin checks.

Because when we focus on prevention, we protect what matters most: your skin, your health, and your future.